Korean J Physiol Pharmacol.  2000 Oct;4(5):355-359.

Ritanserin, a 5HT2/1C receptor antagonist, does not block cocaine-induced behavioral alterations and zif268 mRNA expression in the striatum of the rats

• Choe ES
• Kim JY

Abstract

Cocaine induces immediate early gene expression and behavioral changes by blocking dopamine transporters in the terminals of nigrostriatal neurons in the striatum. The pharmacological role of serotonin 2/1C (5HT2/1C) receptors in cocaine-induced expression of zif268 (NGFI-A, egr1 and Krox-24) mRNA, a member of the zinc finger, was investigated using quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry in vivo. Behavioral alterations induced by cocaine were also monitored in relation with blockade of the receptors. Systemic injection of ritanserin (1 mg/kg, s.c.), a 5HT2/1C receptor antagonist, did not reverse behavioral alterations and zif268 mRNA gene expression induced by 15 mg/kg cocaine, i.p., in the dorsal and ventral striatum. These data indicate that ritanserin-sensitive 5HT2/1C receptors are not necessary for cocaine-induced behavioral alterations and zif268 mRNA gene expression in the striatum.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Basal Ganglia
Cocaine
Dopamine
Gene Expression
In Situ Hybridization
Neurons
Rats*
Ritanserin*
RNA, Messenger*
Serotonin
Zinc Fingers
Cocaine
Dopamine
RNA, Messenger
Ritanserin
Serotonin